California Employment Law 2026: What Employers Must Know Before Jan. 1

California’s employment laws are changing again in 2026—and the updates are significant. In this 60-minute webinar, Medina McKelvey partners Melissa Whitehead, Elizabeth, and Alex Medina break down the most important new laws taking effect January 1, 2026, and explain what employers, HR leaders, and in-house counsel must do now to stay compliant and maintain a stable workplace.

Whether you oversee HR, manage risk, or support a growing business, this replay gives you the clarity you need to prepare for the year ahead.

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What You'll Learn:

✔ 2026’s major employment law updates affecting California employers
✔ Changes to pay equity, personnel records, required postings, and FEHA
✔ New obligations under SB 642, expanded leave, and retaliation protections
✔ What’s happening with New PAGA—including penalty reductions and “reasonable steps”
✔ Practical insights on reducing class and PAGA exposure
✔ How to support compliance while protecting your culture and your people

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Topics Covered in This Webinar:

✔ Pay equity: new definitions, expanded reporting, and a longer statute of limitations
✔ Personnel records: new mandatory training documentation requirements
✔ Leave laws and FEHA updates
✔ “Stay or pay” rules and wage judgment enforcement
✔ Industry-specific updates and honorable-mention laws
✔ The state of New PAGA: penalty reductions, early evaluation, and headless PAGA
✔ Key steps every employer should take before January 1, 2026

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Who This Webinar Is For:

• HR leaders and compliance teams
• Business owners and executives
• In-house counsel and risk managers
• Multi-state employers navigating California’s unique laws

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Why This Matters:

California remains one of the most complex legal environments for employers. These updates impact hiring, pay, documentation, compliance programs, investigations, and day-to-day HR decisions. Understanding the changes—and taking the right proactive steps—can dramatically reduce exposure while strengthening your culture.

Medina McKelvey’s mission is simple: equip employers to transform legal uncertainty into stability.

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Download the Slides:

Get the full slide deck and key resources here:
https://medinamckelvey.com/california...

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Need Support Preparing for 2026?

Medina McKelvey helps California employers stay compliant, prevent lawsuits, and build healthier workplaces.

Learn more: https://www.medinamckelvey.com